Greene County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Elioak, on about 22% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Parker and Ashe come next.
About 94% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 68% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 63% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 23% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Greene County, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Greene County, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker extremely stony loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myersville and Catoctin extremely stony silt loams, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elioak loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ashe sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lew extremely stony loam, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meadowville fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elioak clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville and Catoctin extremely stony silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester and Parker soils, very stony, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lew extremely stony loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suches-Codorus complex | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craigsville cobbly sandy loam | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro loam | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catoctin-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckhall loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Thurmont very stony loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lew extremely stony loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buckhall loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.